Five inner-city councils in Perth have taken a significant step toward addressing one of the major barriers to electric vehicle adoption in densely populated urban areas. The Perth Inner City Group, comprising the cities of Vincent, Perth, South Perth, and Subiaco, along with the Town of Victoria Park, has signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate transforming existing streetlights into functional EV charging points.
Addressing Urban Charging Challenges
This innovative initiative specifically targets households without off-street parking, which is increasingly common in Perth's inner-city suburbs. As more residents live in apartments or heritage homes that lack dedicated parking spaces, the inability to conveniently charge electric vehicles has emerged as a significant obstacle to wider EV uptake.
The councils have partnered with both Western Power and private sector collaborators to explore practical solutions. A feasibility study and potential trial will follow the agreement signed last month, marking a proactive approach to infrastructure adaptation.
Collaborative Approach to Infrastructure Innovation
Western Power's energy transition and sustainability executive manager, Andrew Blaver, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that the organization is "pleased to be working with local governments to explore how to make the best use of our infrastructure in supporting EV take up."
Private charging operator EVX will provide crucial technical and operational expertise to help identify suitable locations and delivery options for the streetlight charging conversion. EVX chief executive Andrew Forster emphasized the potential significance of this approach, noting that "streetlight chargers could play a key role in the future of charging."
Building on National Experience
Forster further explained that EVX intends to "apply what we have learned in successful trials nationwide to develop a local solution in partnership with the Perth Inner City Group and Western Power." This suggests the Perth initiative will benefit from established knowledge and best practices.
The company has committed to focusing on "locally manufactured and supported solutions" and anticipates progressing the initiative in the coming months. This local focus could potentially create economic benefits alongside the environmental advantages of increased EV adoption.
As urban density continues to increase in Perth's inner suburbs, this streetlight charging exploration represents a forward-thinking approach to adapting existing infrastructure to meet emerging transportation needs while supporting sustainability goals.
